SUBJECT
English
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
St Augustine
SUBJECT
Why English Matters
“There can be no more important subject than English in the school curriculum. English is a pre-eminent world language, it is at the heart of our culture and it is the language medium in which most of our pupils think and communicate. Literacy skills are also crucial to pupils learning in other subjects across the curriculum.”
Ofsted: Moving English Forward
MISSION
Our Approach
The English Department at All Saints Catholic College promotes literacy: the ability to speak, read, write, and think critically.
Students are supported in analysing and communicating ideas clearly, thinking creatively, and drawing independent conclusions. They are also encouraged to develop a reflective and independent approach to both analytical and creative writing.
LEARNING
From Year 7 to GCSE
Students develop core skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking from Year 7 through to GCSE English Language and English Literature in Year 11.
The department fosters a culture of independent reading, supported by weekly literacy strategies and the study of significant texts from across the English literary tradition.
SKILLS
What Students Develop
Communication
- Confidence in speaking and writing
- Clear expression of ideas
Analysis
- Critical thinking
- Interpreting texts and meaning
- Evaluating ideas and viewpoints
Writing
- Effective critical argument
- Technical accuracy in written work
Understanding
- Cultural diversity in literature
- Context: social, historical, and literary traditions
Independence
- Reflective thinking
- Developing individual voice and ideas
LITERACY
Reading and Writing Skills
Students learn to:
- Read for meaning and understanding
- Retrieve and interpret information from texts
- Use quotations effectively
- Analyse language, structure, and presentation
- Understand writer’s purpose and viewpoint
- Identify keywords and ideas
- Relate texts to wider contexts
- Write with accuracy in spelling and punctuation
RESOURCES
Digital Library
Students have access to a wide range of audiobooks through the school’s digital library.
Access here:
CURRICULUM
Explore by Year
- Year 7
- Year 8
- Year 9
- Year 10 & 11
CONTACT
Head of English
If you would like to find out more about the English curriculum, contact our Head of English, Miss Ames, by emailing:
